The New York Jets, a prominent franchise in the National Football League (NFL), have a rich and visually engaging history that is reflected in their ever-evolving uniforms. Over their history, the team has showcased a variety of designs, logos, and color schemes, each marking a distinct era in the team’s journey. From their humble beginnings as the Titans of New York to their current “Take Flight” era and the exciting recent uniform reveal, the Jets’ visual identity has been as dynamic as their on-field performance. Let’s delve into the complete history of the NY Jets uniforms, examining each logo and uniform evolution, the team’s performance during each period, and the key players and moments associated with these iconic looks.
The Titans of New York (1960-1962)
- Logo: Titans of New York wordmark
- Primary Color: Navy Blue
- Secondary Color: Gold, White
- Stadium: Polo Grounds
- Record: 19-23 (.452)
- Playoff Appearances: None
- Notable Players: Don Maynard, Art Powell
- Coaches: Sammy Baugh, Bulldog Turner
- Owner: Harry Wismer
Congrats to Art Powell on being named a senior finalist fire the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Art was an original New York Titan playing all three years with the franchise when they were known as the Titans from 1960-1962. https://t.co/ijqIZd1hcT pic.twitter.com/caAaL1bpqj
In 1960, the American Football League (AFL) was born, and with it, a new team for New York: the Titans of New York. Founder Harry Wismer chose the name “Titans,” proclaiming them to be “bigger and stronger than Giants,” in a direct jab at the established NFL team in the city. Playing at the historic Polo Grounds, the Titans adopted a color scheme of navy blue and gold, inspired by the University of Notre Dame’s classic look.
During their brief three-year run as the Titans, the team compiled a 19-23 record. While on-field success was limited, this era saw the emergence of future Hall of Famer Don Maynard, who became the first player to sign with the franchise. Art Powell was another notable player during this period. The coaching staff included legendary figures like Sammy Baugh and Bulldog Turner. Despite the star power, the Titans struggled to gain traction in the New York sports scene.
Grade: C+
NY Jets Airplane Logo (1963)
- Logo: Airplane graphic with ‘JETS’ wordmark in white on a green background
- Primary Color: Kelly Green
- Secondary Color: White
- Stadium: Shea Stadium
- Record: 5-8-1 (.393)
- Playoff Appearances: None
- Notable Players: Don Maynard
- Coach: Weeb Ewbank
- Owner: Sonny Werblin (syndicate ownership)
September 8, 1963
NY Jets 14Boston Patriots 38
Alumni Stadium
Dick Wood 16-37-164-1-4Mark Smolinski 8-100Bake Turner 10-103-1Don Maynard 4-32
This was the 1st game in franchise history known as the Jets.#TakeFlight #Jets#Jetshistory#patriots#AFL pic.twitter.com/14u9m7LU2s
A significant shift occurred in 1963 when a syndicate led by Sonny Werblin purchased the Titans. Werblin spearheaded the move from the Polo Grounds in Manhattan to the newly built Shea Stadium in Queens, sharing the venue with the New York Mets baseball team. With the change in venue came a new team name: the New York Jets. The name was chosen to rhyme with “Mets” and to reflect the proximity of Shea Stadium to LaGuardia Airport, giving a nod to the burgeoning jet age.
The rebranding included a dramatic overhaul of the color scheme. Navy blue and gold were replaced with a fresh and vibrant kelly green and white. A new logo featuring a stylized airplane became the team’s emblem, symbolizing speed and modernity. Werblin also brought in Weeb Ewbank as head coach, a move that would prove pivotal in the team’s future. However, the airplane logo era was short-lived, lasting only one season. The team’s record in 1963 was 5-8-1 (.393).
Grade: C-
NY Jets in White (1964)
- Logo: ‘NY Jets’ in white lettering with green trim and a green ‘JETS’ wordmark
- Primary Color: Green
- Secondary Color: White
- Stadium: Shea Stadium
- Record: 5-8-1 (.393)
- Playoff Appearances: None
- Notable Players: Matt Snell
- Coach: Weeb Ewbank
- Owner: Sonny Werblin
In 1964, the Jets refined their visual identity, introducing a logo that would become deeply associated with the franchise. This logo featured the words “NY JETS” stacked, with “NY” above “JETS,” all rendered in white lettering with a green outline and a prominent green “JETS” wordmark. While visually similar to the more famous version, this 1964 iteration had a reversed color scheme compared to what would become the classic look.
Despite the branding update, on-field performance remained consistent with the previous year. The Jets again finished with a 5-8-1 record. However, the 1964 season saw the emergence of running back Matt Snell, who rushed for an impressive 964 yards. Coach Weeb Ewbank continued to guide the team, laying the foundation for future success. More importantly, this year preceded the arrival of a player who would forever change the trajectory of the franchise.
Grade: C
NY Jets Super Bowl Logo (1965-1977)
- Logo: ‘NY Jets’ in green lettering with white trim and a white ‘JETS’ wordmark
- Primary Color: Kelly Green
- Secondary Color: White
- Stadium: Shea Stadium
- Record: 77-101-4 (.434)
- Playoff Appearances: 1968, 1969
- Notable Players: Joe Namath, Matt Snell, Don Maynard, Emerson Boozer, Richard Todd
- Notable Games: Super Bowl III
- Coaches: Weeb Ewbank (1963-1973), Charley Winner/Ken Shipp, Lou Holtz/Mike Holovak, Walt Michaels
- Owner: Sonny Werblin, Leon Hess
12 days until week 1 vs Baltimore
There has only been 1 player to wear #12 for the New York Jets (3 others wore as Titans)
Joe Namath 1965-1976#TakeFlight #Jetshistory [#Jets](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jets](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jets?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#NFL](https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFL](https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) #CountdownToWeek1 pic.twitter.com/f9kqNTFpmJ
The 1965 season marked the arrival of the iconic Jets logo that most fans immediately recognize. The color scheme was flipped from the previous year, with “NY JETS” now in green with white trim and a white “JETS” wordmark, set against a white background on the helmet. This logo became synonymous with the Jets’ most celebrated era, coinciding with the drafting of quarterback sensation Joe Namath. Before Namath’s arrival, the team had another 5-8-1 season, but the landscape was about to change dramatically.
Ownership transitioned in 1967 as Leon Hess took over the reins from Sonny Werblin. The 1968 season proved to be historic. The Jets, led by Namath’s charisma and Ewbank’s coaching, won the AFL East division. They then achieved the unthinkable, defeating the heavily favored Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. Namath’s bold guarantee of victory before the game became legendary, and the Jets’ triumph remains their only Super Bowl win to this day. The team made another playoff appearance in 1969, losing in the Divisional Round. While the post-Super Bowl years saw a decline, this logo is forever linked to the Jets’ greatest moment.
Grade: B
The New York Sack Exchange (1978-1989)
- Logo: ‘JETS’ wordmark in white on a green rectangular background
- Primary Color: Kelly Green
- Secondary Color: White
- Stadium: Shea Stadium, Meadowlands
- Record: 89-93-2 (.489)
- Playoff Appearances: 1981, 1982, 1985, 1986
- Notable Players: Joe Klecko, Mark Gastineau, Ken O’Brien, Freeman McNeil, Richard Todd, Wesley Walker, Al Toon, Marty Lyons, Abdul Salaam
- Notable Games: Shootout at the Swamp, Mud Bowl
- Owner: Leon Hess
- Coaches: Walt Michaels, Joe Walton
On this day in [#Jets](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jets](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jets?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) history: Joe Klecko (20.5) and Mark Gastineau (20) unofficially finish the 1981 season 1-2 in sacks. pic.twitter.com/bHV8Y1RBcm
In 1978, the Jets introduced a new logo and uniform set, marking the “Sack Exchange” era. The logo was simplified to a bold, white “JETS” wordmark set against a green rectangular background. This era is often considered the most successful period in Jets history in terms of sustained competitiveness.
The “Sack Exchange,” a fearsome defensive line unit comprised of Joe Klecko, Mark Gastineau, Marty Lyons, and Abdul Salaam, dominated opposing offenses. In 1981, they led the league with 66 sacks, propelling the Jets back into the playoffs in 1981 and 1982. The 1982 season saw the Jets reach the AFC Championship Game, where they lost to the Miami Dolphins. The team made further playoff appearances in 1985 and 1986. While they never reached the Super Bowl again during this time, the “Sack Exchange” era is fondly remembered by Jets fans for its excitement and defensive prowess. Statistically, this logo and uniform combination boasts the best winning percentage in franchise history at .489.
Grade: B+
NY Jets Black Trim (1990-1997)
- Logo: ‘JETS’ wordmark with a black outline
- Primary Color: Kelly Green
- Secondary Color: White, Black
- Stadium: Meadowlands
- Record: 45-83-0 (.352)
- Playoff Appearances: 1991
- Notable Players: Ken O’Brien, Boomer Esiason, Rob Moore, Wayne Chrebet, Keyshawn Johnson
- Coaches: Bruce Coslet, Pete Carroll, Rich Kotite, Bill Parcells
- Owner: Leon Hess
On this day in [#Jets](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jets](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jets?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) history: We wore our 1969 throwbacks in a home W vs. CIN in 1993 to commemorate the 25-year anniversary of SB III. pic.twitter.com/rUpGqcGDpj
The Jets made a subtle change to their logo in 1990, adding a black outline to the “JETS” wordmark. This marked the first time black was incorporated into the team’s color palette. During this era, the Jets also introduced throwback uniforms for the first time, paying homage to their Super Bowl III era look. These throwbacks featured green helmets with the classic green and white “NY Jets” logo.
The 1990s were a largely disappointing decade for the Jets on the field. They reached the playoffs only once in 1991 under coach Bruce Coslet, losing in the Wild Card Round. The team experienced a franchise-worst 1-15 season in 1996 under Rich Kotite. Despite the struggles, this period saw the emergence of popular players like Wayne Chrebet and Keyshawn Johnson. A turning point arrived in 1997 when Leon Hess lured Bill Parcells to coach the team, setting the stage for a resurgence.
Grade: D+
NY Jets Super Bowl Inspired Look in Hunter Green (1998-2018)
- Logo: Modernized version inspired by the Super Bowl III era logo
- Primary Color: Hunter Green
- Secondary Color: White
- Stadium: Meadowlands, MetLife Stadium
- Record: 161-175-0 (.479)
- Playoff Appearances: 1998, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2010
- Notable Players: Vinny Testaverde, Chad Pennington, Brett Favre, Mark Sanchez, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Curtis Martin, Laveranues Coles, Jerricho Cotchery, Kevin Mawae, Darrelle Revis, LaDainian Tomlinson, Eric Decker, Brandon Marshall
- Notable Games: Miracle at the Meadowlands, AFC Championships in 2009/2010, 9/11/2011
- Coaches: Bill Parcells, Al Groh, Herm Edwards, Eric Mangini, Rex Ryan, Todd Bowles
- Owners: Leon Hess, Woody Johnson
Many visited Revis Island. Very few enjoyed their stay.[#RevisDay](https://twitter.com/hashtag/RevisDay](https://twitter.com/hashtag/RevisDay?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) pic.twitter.com/dhlBhHvb94
Bill Parcells played a key role in ushering in a new uniform era in 1998, drawing inspiration from the team’s Super Bowl III glory days. The logo was modernized but clearly evoked the classic “NY Jets” design. The primary color shifted from kelly green to a darker hunter green, while white remained a prominent secondary color.
This uniform set lasted for two decades and coincided with a period of mixed success. Parcells quickly turned the team around, leading them to the playoffs in 1998. The Jets won their first AFC East division title (excluding AFL titles) that year. Subsequent playoff appearances followed in 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2006. However, it was the Rex Ryan era (2009-2010) that brought the most excitement, with back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances led by quarterback Mark Sanchez and a strong defense featuring Darrelle Revis. Despite the playoff runs, the Jets couldn’t quite reach the Super Bowl again during this long stretch.
Grade: B
Take Flight (2019-2023)
- Logo: Modernized ‘JETS’ wordmark in a sleek, contemporary font
- Primary Color: Gotham Green
- Secondary Color: Spotlight White
- Alternate Color: Stealth Black (first alternate)
- Stadium: MetLife Stadium
- Record: 27-56-0 (.325)
- Notable Players: Quinnen Williams, Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson, Jermaine Johnson, Breece Hall
- Owner: Woody Johnson
The beginning of a new legacy.[#TakeFlight](https://twitter.com/hashtag/TakeFlight](https://twitter.com/hashtag/TakeFlight?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) pic.twitter.com/oaGidDB65B
In 2019, the Jets unveiled a completely new uniform and logo set, dubbed the “Take Flight” era. The logo featured a modernized “JETS” wordmark in a sleek, contemporary font. The color palette shifted again, with “Gotham Green” becoming the primary color and “Spotlight White” as the secondary. “Stealth Black” was introduced as an alternate color.
Unfortunately, the “Take Flight” era did not translate to on-field success. The team struggled throughout this period, failing to reach the playoffs and posting a disappointing .325 winning percentage. Despite the lack of team success, this era did see the emergence of promising young players like Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson, and Breece Hall. Ironically, despite being acquired with much fanfare, quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ only appearance in these uniforms was cut short due to injury in Week 1 of the 2023 season, while wearing Sack Exchange throwback uniforms.
Grade F
what combo we feelin’ for Week 1? pic.twitter.com/DRgfv5Gq74
Jets fans are eagerly anticipating the “New Legacy” era and hoping it brings a return to winning football. The team’s visual history is a vibrant tapestry reflecting its ups and downs. As the Jets move forward, their uniforms will continue to be a powerful symbol of team identity and a source of passion for their dedicated fanbase.
